According to the latest FAA advisory, airlines will have to weigh their passengers soon before boarding to determine how much cargo each plane is carrying. Obesity is seen as one of the reasons for airlines to weigh passengers. Second, you have people bringing things that add weight to the plane.
Based on the report, there is no need to weigh if the plane is carrying more than 70 passengers. Weight estimate will suffice. On the other hand, it’s a different story when it comes to smaller planes. Both baggage and passenger weight will have to be more accurate to ensure safety.
The option to get weighed will be optional. Passengers will have the right to opt-out of the survey. So far, it is unclear whether passengers are going to be asked to weigh in or list their weight.
According to Air Insight Group, FAA requires airlines to know the “standard average passenger weights” using the surveys. These surveys will be taken every 36 months. And also, the weight of individuals who participated in the survey will be kept private.
Increasing Passenger Weight
The average male passenger weighs 190 pounds together with his clothes and carry-on bag during summer. This number will increase to 195 pounds by winter considering the heavier winter clothes. If we are going to compare the previous data, that number is heavier by 12%. In the past, it was thought that men weigh only 170-175 pounds with their clothing and bags.
According to Air Insight Group, females, on the other hand, weigh 150 pounds under the same conditions. And during winter, females weigh an average of 184 pounds with their bags and winter clothes. It is still unclear when will airlines weigh their passengers. FAA also acknowledged that the route will play a role in the average passenger weight. Visiting colder places will require thicker and heavier clothing.
Now that there are smaller planes that are catering to travelers, this could be a start of a new standard in safety. This could prevent future accidents by making sure that planes are not overloaded.
